How to determine which erectile dysfunction medication fits you best.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or keep an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity. Erectile dysfunction is the result of a number of medical conditions and in some cases, it is even the result of medication being taken for other ailments. This condition is estimated to affect about 20 million men across the United States.
That is approximately 19% of the men in America and 52% of men between the ages of 50 and 70. Since this condition affects so many individuals at various stages in their lives a variety of urology based and FDA approved medications have been created to treat it. They are often known by their brand names, but the scientific names of the two most common ED treatments are tadalafil and sildenafil. These medications work in two distinctly different manners, so it is important to do your research to determine which one best fits your medical needs and lifestyle.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil commonly goes by the brand name of Cialis or Adcirca, however, a generic version is also available. Under the brand name Cialis tadalafil is marked towards the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This medication is taken orally and it works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This ensures that the smooth muscle in the male sex organ can become erect and hold an erection. Clinical trials have shown that the maximum PDE5 concentration exists two hours after the drug is administered for tadalafil. This means that tadalafil is most effective for contributing to sexual intercourse if it is taken two hours prior.
It is important to note that all PDE5 inhibitors, including Sildenafil and Vardenafil, do not cause an immediate erection. Sexual stimulation is still required to get an erection with ed medications.
Some of the specific benefits of tadalafil are that erectile dysfunction can be managed for up to 36 hours after the medication is taken. This medication also doubles as a treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH). This condition leads to difficulty or urgency in relation to urination, so tadalafil is a win-win for individuals suffering from both erectile dysfunction and BPH.
Under the brand name Adcirca this prescribed medication is given to improve the ability to exercise in individuals with hypertension in the vessels of the lungs.
Common side effects of Cialis include;
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Pain in the stomach, arms, legs, or muscles
Serious side effects include;
- Angina
- Vision changes
- Loss of hearing
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Swelling anywhere on the body
If you have pre-existing health conditions the administration of tadalafil can lead to some life-threatening complications. The same is true for some drug interactions concerning tadalafil. It is best to consult a professional for medical advice before taking any ED medications in any case.
Sildenafil
This is the generic name option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction commonly goes by the name brand of Viagra. Much like Tadalafil, Sildenafil is also a treatment for individuals who have high blood pressure in the vessels leading to their lungs, however, it works by a different means. Instead of inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme to maintain an erection, this treatment option works by relaxing blood vessels to increase the ability for blood flow.
This method of treatment improves the ability for an erection to be held, especially if the user has a history or conditions in which blood flow restriction happens often. The highest concentration of sildenafil is considered to exist one hour after drug administration, however, the duration of action is anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours after this medication is taken.
Since Sildenafil increases blood flow it can have many unintended side effects.
Common Side effects include;
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, or feet
- Muscle aches
- Vision changes
- Stuffy - ness or nosebleeds
Serious side effects include;
- High blood pressure
- Heartattack
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Shortness of breath
The side effects can compound due to drug interactions or pre-existing medical conditions like low blood pressure or heart disease, much like they do with tadalafil.
Both of these prescribed medications can improve your sex life, they simply function in different ways. The impact of the way they function on your circulatory system can have some pretty serious side effects so it is always best to seek medical advice. Even if you can find these medications in an over the counter form it is always better to be safe and have a professional help you determine what erectile dysfunction medications will suit you best.